Learning how to swaddle a baby is an important skill for new parents to master, and with a little practice soon you can swaddle like a pro. Swaddling your baby can be greatly beneficial to you and your baby because swaddled babies sleep better. Swaddled babies should always be placed on their back for sleep. Each of our swaddle blankets includes our exclusive pictorial 123 Swaddle label sewn to the edge of the blanket to guide you in 3 easy steps to properly and securely swaddle your baby. Created by an experienced nurse.
How to Swaddle
Always be sure to place baby on their back for all sleep including naps.
You can gently position baby's head to face slightly to the right, slightly to the left or center. It's important to alternate these head positions slightly each time you place baby down for sleep to avoid a flat spot on the back of baby's head.
Experts including Dr. Harvey Karp, Dr. Tom Keens, Dr. Laura Jana, Dr. Bradley Thach, Dr. Sears…. recommend swaddling for sleep time. In 2002, Dr. Bradley Thach led a study that proved that swaddled back sleeping babies sleep better than unswaddled babies.
SwaddleDesigns blankets are the only swaddling blankets with instructions sewn to the edge of the blanket. Moms, dads, grandparents and caregivers appreciate the instructions at their fingertips when they are learning how to swaddle.
Many experts believe supine swaddling helps to reduce risk of SIDS because swaddling helps babies sleep better on their back, therefore parents are less likely to use unsafe tummy position for sleep.
Doctors, nurses, childbirth educators, doulas, parents, and medical experts recommend SwaddleDesigns blankets because they are large, square, lightweight and breathable. Cotton is a natural and breathable fabric which reduces the risk of overheating.
Natural Position
Experts recommend swaddling baby in a natural position with elbows, knees and hips flexed for proper joint development. When swaddling a newborn, many experts recommend swaddling with baby's hands within reach of mouth so baby can suck on his or her fingers to self-console.
You may also choose to wrap baby with one or both hands down inside the swaddle with baby's elbows in a flexed position. After breastfeeding is established, you may choose to offer baby a pacifier.
Wrap Snugly
A loose swaddle is ineffective, so wrap baby snugly, but not so tightly as to impede baby's breathing. You should be able to slide your hand between the blanket and your baby's chest.
Custom Fit
SwaddleDesigns large square blankets allow for a custom fit swaddle for your baby. Our swaddling blankets are designed with good stretch when they are in the diamond position for swaddling. Every baby is unique. Ask your baby's pediatrician about swaddling your baby.
Always Place Baby on Back to Sleep
Always place baby on his or her back for sleep. The side and tummy positions are unsafe.
The back sleeping position reduces risk of SIDS. Baby should sleep on a firm sleep surface, in a bassinet, cradle or crib near the mother's bed, without any soft toys, pillows or loose bedding.
Room Temperature
Medical experts recommend a sleep environment of 65-70°F (18-21°C)
It is an important responsibility of the caregiver to dress baby appropriately for sleep based on the temperature of their environment. Parents should not overdress or underdress baby for sleep. As a general guide, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends dressing baby in no more than one layer more than an adult would use to be comfortable in the same environment.
Babies are not good at regulating their own temperatures. No blanket can naturally regulate baby's temperature for them, so parents need to touch and feel their baby to ensure baby is not too warm or too cold.
Smoke-Free Environment
Always keep baby's environment smoke-free by not smoking when pregnant, near your baby, or in an area where your baby spends time or sleeps.
Ventilation
Be sure air can circulate freely around baby's face. A fan in baby's room can increase ventilation, but should not be blowing air directly on baby.
Allow Baby to Suck on Fingers or a Pacifier
Infant researchers state it's in baby's best interest to have baby's hands within reach of mouth, so baby may self-soothe by sucking on his or her fingers. Sucking is the most organizing behavior of the newborn – it helps baby with sleep/wake control. Sucking is an early form of communication - by vigorously sucking, a baby communicates that he or she is hungry.
As your baby grows stronger or if you have a very active baby, you may tuck one or both hands down into the swaddle with their elbows flexed and offer baby a pacifier. Babies who suck on pacifiers have reduced incidence of SIDS.
As you learn more about your baby, you will find which hand position works best for your baby.
The AAP recommends to stop swaddling with arms fully restrained when baby shows signs of starting to roll over onto tummy. Babies that are able to roll over should not have arms fully restrained inside a swaddle. Babies that can roll over may be placed in a Transitional Swaddle Sack or a Sleeping Sack such as our zzZipMe Sack.
All SwaddleDesigns Swaddle Blankets feature our exclusive 123 Swaddle illustrated instructions sewn to the edge of the blanket.
Cotton Flannel is the #1 Choice in US Hospitals for Swaddling
Hospitals trust and use cotton flannel blankets to wrap babies soon after birth to keep them warm and comfortable. Your baby will quickly outgrow the hospital-size blanket and you will need a larger receiving blanket to swaddle your baby as he or she grows.
Our Ultimate Swaddle Blanket is made from super soft premium preshrunk cotton flannel. It's square, lightweight and breathable. 42” x 42”. Made in USA.
Wrap your baby in pure softness. Our boutique quality 100% cotton muslin with cheerful designs and designer colors gets softer with every wash. The open weave increases breathability and reduces the risk of overheating. The generous size, square shape and helpful labels will make it easy to swaddle. 46” x 46”. Imported.
SwaddleDesigns Marquisette Swaddling Blanket is an ultra soft, very lightweight open weave blanket made from 100% cotton. Appropriate for warmer environments, cotton marquisette is crafted from cotton that is superior in length, strength, and smoothness to create a very soft and premium quality blanket that will get softer after every wash. Our exclusive 123 Swaddle instructional tag is sewn to the edge of each blanket. 46” x 46”. Imported.
Medical studies have shown there are many benefits to swaddling.
Supine Swaddling Decreases the Risk of SIDS
Swaddled Babies Sleep Better®
Reduces Colic and Fussiness
Helpful When Breastfeeding
